Chinese diplomat: Wen's East Asia visit to be "journey of cooperation, confidence, development"

BEIJING, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming East Asia visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will be a "journey of cooperation, confidence and development," said Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue on Wednesday at a press briefing.

Wen will attend the 12th summit between the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China (10+1), the 12th summit between the ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (10+3), and the fourth East Asia Summit, in Hua Hin of Thailand from Oct. 23 to 25 at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Hu noted Wen's visit would further consolidate and develop China's friendship with neighboring countries, and deepen cooperation in East Asia and promote regional peace, stability, development and cooperation.

He said that the meetings are held under the circumstances that East Asian countries are maintaining the momentum of cooperation, and actively responding to the international financial crisis.

The Chinese side attaches great importance to these meetings, and will exchange views on East Asia cooperation and on regional and international issues of common concern, to promote the meeting to achieve positive and pragmatic results.

Hu said China has three expectations for the meetings:

First, to strengthen confidence and gather strength. To continue making it a primary task to cope with the international financial crisis, conduct in-depth discussions on the promotion of regional and world economic recovery, to convey to the world the message that Asian countries are helping each other, and will make persistent efforts to promote financial and economic stability and sustainable development in the region and the world at large.

Second, to discuss ways for deepening pragmatic cooperation among all sides, share opportunities and work to inject new vitality into sustained development in East Asia.

Third, to enhance communication and expand consensus on global issues such as international economic and financial system reform, climate change, food security, energy security, public health security and natural disasters, among others.

Hu said that at the upcoming meetings of East Asian leaders, Wen will elaborate on China's efforts and achievements in coping with the international financial crisis, on China's views and propositions on strengthening cooperation in East Asia, and will put forward proposals on strengthening cooperation under the framework of "10 +1" and "10 +3 " in investment, infrastructure construction, agriculture, finance and culture.

Wen will also reiterate China's support to the ASEAN integration, and support to ASEAN's efforts in narrowing gaps. China will, as always, support and assist ASEAN's less developed countries within its capabilities.